Buying a Vacation Home: Mistakes to Avoid with Home Inspections
Buying
Buying a vacation home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Its rental options can provide significant return on investment as well. With such a big investment, inspection becomes critical. However, home inspection is about more than simply identifying issues with the house.
Buying a Vacation Home: Reasons to Hire an Inspector
1. Bring Safety Issues to Light
While you may not see any issues with the vacation home you are about to buy, a trained inspector knows what to look for and what may be a potential safety issue for your home in the future. Structural issues with the property can be a safety hazard.
2. Identify Improper or Illegal Installations or Additions
Renovations may have been made to the property that are not in accordance with state laws. An inspector will be able to point these out. The danger of buying such a property is that these illegal additions and installations can affect the value of the property.
3. Uncover Infestations
Your vacation would be spoiled if you were to discover an insect infestation in the wall. An inspector can identify these problems before you make the purchase.
4. Help Determine Future Expenses
When buying a vacation home, you may want to renovate. Although there may not be any issues with the property right now, the inspector can give you insight into what may need upgrading or replacement in future. An inspector with an architectural background may even be able to advise on how extensive renovations to your vacation home can be without compromising the structure.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Doing Your Homework on the Inspector
Even if the inspector comes highly recommended, it is important to interview them yourself. You’ll want an inspector who is certified and up to date with current laws and information regarding home inspection. Some questions you may want to ask include:
- Are you certified and have you had training?
- How much experience do you have in the field?
- Do you have experience in similar fields such as construction or building?
- What are your charges? According to Home Advisor, the average reported cost of hiring an inspector is $316.
2. Not Going for the Inspection
Yes, this is a job for the professional, but it’s a good idea that you go anyways. Attending the inspection will give you a better idea of the condition of the vacation property, and you’ll have a better understanding when the inspector is explaining things to you. You may not even understand the report if you fail to attend the inspection.
A Penny Saved
Hiring an inspector isn’t that expensive, considering the money they could save you in the long run. When buying a vacation home, hiring an inspector can be the difference between a lifetime of fantastic holidays, and years of misery trying to fix everything that eventually breaks down. Involve yourself in the inspection and ask as many questions as you can. Include your inspector in your house hunt and you’re bound to find that perfect home.
